The brain while improvising

Are you also one of those people who often leave a team meeting feeling frustrated because, despite trying to find new solutions to an old problem, you ended up with the same methods as always?

It's not surprising to have this experience, as the brain is wired to solve problems in the same way every time. But don’t worry – it is possible to train the brain to work differently and more creatively. However, it doesn’t happen on its own.

The prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in our ability to plan, focus, make decisions, and regulate impulses. It’s the part of the brain we use when we concentrate and solve problems. But isn’t creativity about more than just control? Isn’t it also about letting go?

Improvisation in theatre and music requires a special mental state where the brain balances focus and spontaneity. Research shows that creative brains are capable of activating both the central executive network (governed by the prefrontal cortex) and the default mode network (DMN) at the same time. The DMN is usually active when we daydream, imagine things, or let our thoughts wander – the opposite of focused problem-solving. Studies also show that people who improvise demonstrate this same brain function – focus and spontaneity simultaneously.

The ability to use these networks at the same time can be trained. Exercises from, for example, improvisational theatre specifically promote this dual activation: You must listen, respond, and stay alert (focus) while allowing ideas to emerge instantly and intuitively (spontaneity). Improvisation trains the brain to unite control and freedom.

Through repeated improvisation, the connection between the prefrontal cortex and the more associative, free areas of the brain is strengthened. This means that over time, you become better at being both focused and creative simultaneously – a skill that is not only valuable on stage but also highly useful in creative teams, idea development, and innovation processes.